degree of difficulty; difficulty level
non-aggression pact; non-aggression treaty
not holding on; not using the hands; letting go one's hold; lack of reserve (in expressing one's emotions); lack of restraint; openly (saying)
doubtful; questionable; uncertain; disputable; suspicious
(establish) friendly (cordial) relations (with, between); (form) friendship (e.g. with a nation)
mutually; with each other; reciprocally; together; both
to interrupt (with frivolous remarks, silly jokes, etc.); to butt in; to make teasing remarks
heeding; paying attention; bearing in mind
blockade; lockdown; sealing off (an area); freezing (funds)
(one) matter; (one) item; (one) case
background; scenery; background (of an incident, situation, etc.); circumstances; backing; support (from behind the scenes)
connection; link; relationship
important matter; matter of great importance; serious affair; major incident; emergency
doubting; distrustful; incredulous; suspicious
uncharacteristic; unbefitting; unworthy (of)
green; greenery (esp. fresh verdure)
having sociable manners; sociable
devastating; catastrophic; crushing
insight; power of observation
origin; birthplace; descent; lineage; ancestry
able; capable; competent; talented; efficient
to acquire a position; to hold an appointment
to stop; to turn off; to park; to prevent; to suppress (a cough); to stop (someone from doing something); to dissuade
live coals (for firelighting); cause (of disturbance, conflict, etc.); trigger
extinguishing a fire; (Edo-period) fireman
particularly; only; in the case of
genuine; real; full-scale; full-blown; full-fledged; professional
isn't it?; let's ...; why don't we ...; how about we ...
unable to stomach; sticking in one's throat; displeased with
that kind; competition; match
special; particular; peculiar; unique
meaning; point (e.g. of a statement); gist; goal; intent; object
dot; spot; mark (in an exam, etc.); grade; point (in a game); score; point (in geometry)
pending question; unresolved problem
that's a different matter; that's a different story
meritocracy; merit system